Technical Support The SpotCellTM serial number must be available to authorize technical support and/or to establish a return authorization for defective units. The serial number is located on the back of the Coverage Unit (CU) and Donor Unit (DU) as well as the box in which they were delivered. Additional support information may be obtained by accessing the Spotwave Wireless Inc. website at www.spotwave.com.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: 1. What is Covered and for How Long? Spotwave Wireless Inc. ("Spotwave") warrants to the original Purchaser that the Spotwave SpotCell System (the "System") is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Spotwave (the "Limited Warranty Period"). 2. What is not covered? This Limited Warranty is conditioned upon proper use of the System by the Purchaser.
5. This Limited Warranty allocates risk between Purchaser and Spotwave, and the Spotwave System pricing reflects this allocation of risk and the limitations of liability contained in this Limited Warranty. The agents, employees, distributors, dealers or representative of Spotwave are not authorized to make modifications to this Limited Warranty, or make additional warranties binding on Spotwave.
iv SpotCell
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 This manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vi SpotCell
1 – Introduction 1.1 This manual The contents of this manual complements the Quick Install Guide, and provides specific details that may be referred to if necessary during installation of the SpotCell™ system. 1.2 About Installation Installation of the SpotCell does not require any specialized technical knowledge. The SpotCell can be installed by any person(s) with the ability to use a screwdriver, and in some situations may require the use of a ladder, drill, and additional related tools. 1.
INTRODUCTION The SpotCell system receives signals from one or more wireless base stations and re-transmits the signal to areas where cell phones do not work or work poorly due to obstructions or the remoteness of the location . Figure 1.1: Base station signal does not reach wireless subscriber Figure 1.
2 – Getting Started 2.1 Packing list - SpotCell The SpotCell is shipped in a single box containing: Donor Unit (DU) - this is the outward facing part of the system. Coverage Unit (CU) - this is the indoor part of the system. Power Adapter - to be plugged into an electrical outlet, and connected to the CU. Cable - used to connect the CU and DU together. Mounting Kit which includes: angled brackets (3) for DU 1/4” x 3/4” pan head screws (6) 1/4” x 2” hex screws (2) No. 10 x 2.
GETTING STARTED screw anchors, plastic (10) screw anchors, concrete (10) drywall anchor (1) 1/4” screw anchor, concrete (2) caulking cord (1) Note: Parts are provided for the majority of installation options, but do not cover all possibilities. You may need to purchase additional hardware specific to your mounting environment before you begin the installation. A tripod and mast would be typical additional equipment purchased for mounting the SpotCell DU on a rooftop.
2.2 Unpacking and inspecting Physically inspect the box for shipping damage before unpacking the SpotCell. 1. Remove the SpotCell components from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the Donor Unit (DU) and the Coverage Unit (CU). Save the packaging in case the SpotCell is ever stored or shipped to SpotWave for service. 3. Check the contents of the package to make sure you have received everything ordered and verify that the mounting kit contains all the listed parts. 4.
GETTING STARTED 6 SpotCell
3 – Mounting the DU All necessary hardware required for mounting on internal/external walls, or pipes is included in the mounting kit. 3.1 Running the cable through a wall If it is necessary to run a cable through a wall, use a masonry or wood drill bit to drill a 5/8-inch diameter hole. After passing the cable through, use the putty in the installation kit to fill the hole around the cable. 3.2 Mounting the DU The DU may be indoor or outdoor mounted.
MOUNTING THE DU Note: Mount the angle bracket on the flanged side of the mounting bracket and use the two mounting holes if no horizontal movement is required. 3.2.1 Wall mounting Figure 3.1: Wall mounting arrangement This mounting allows for rotation and some upward tilt but mainly downward tilt. 3.2.2 Overhead mounting Figure 3.2: Overhead mounting arrangement This mounting allows for rotation and some upward tilt but mainly downward tilt.
3.2.3 Horizontal surface mounting Figure 3.3: Horizontal mounting arrangements These mountings allow for rotation and some downward tilt but mainly upward tilt. 3.2.4 Pipe mounting Figure 3.4: Pipe mounted DU Use hose clamps to mount the unit to a pipe. The hose clamp range is 2" to 5". This mounting allows for rotation and limited up and down tilt. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING THE DU 3.3 DU outdoor mounting 3.3.1 Mounting to a wood structure 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations. Mark two regular holes if no motion is required or the hole and the slot if motion is required. 2. Drill two.125" diameter holes approximately. 2.5" deep. 3. Install the DU using the two 1/4" lag bolts. 3.3.2 Mounting to a brick or concrete structure: 1. Use the holes in mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations.
3.3.4 Attaching the cable While securing the cable, ensure that a drip loop is fashioned near the DU (to prevent water from collecting around the cable where it attaches to the DU) and secured in place as shown in Figure 3.5:“Drip loop” below. Figure 3.5: Drip loop Fashion the drip loop and fasten a tie wrap around the loop to keep the loop fastened. Figure 3.6: Drip loops for dualk band DU Spotwave Wireless Inc.
MOUNTING THE DU To attach the cable to an existing pipe or cable run: Use tie-wraps to attach the cable to an existing pipe or cable run. To attach the cable to wood or siding: Secure the cable to the wall using a cable loop strap as shown below. Mount the loop strap directly to the wall where possible using a #6 x 1.5” wood screw. Figure 3.7: Cable strap To attach the cable to a brick or concrete wall: 1. Drill a 3/16 diameter x 1 1/4 inch deep hole using a masonry drill bit. 2.
ground stud Figure 3.8: DU ground stud Warning! Failure to properly ground the DU will leave the unit vulnerable to damage from lightning strikes. Check local building code requirements for lightning protection and comply with local regulations. 3.4 DU indoor mounting To mount the DU indoors: 1. Use the mounting bracket as a template and mark the hole locations. Mark the two regular holes if no motion is required or mark the hole and the slot if motion is required. 2.
MOUNTING THE DU 3.5 Mounting the CU The SpotCell 100 series of products have two different types of mounting systems. The dual band and split band SpotCell products (SC141/142 & SpotCell 111s/112s) use a mounting clip that is attached to the wall. The clip must be mounted a least 4 inches from the ceiling to allow the CU to slip into the bracket. The other systems can either be surface mounted flat or can be attached using the optional ball bracket.
2. If mounting on a solid wood surface, or stud covered by drywall, drill a 1/8th inch diameter hole and fasten the mounting clip with #6 x 1.5” screws. or If mounting in drywall, drill a ¼ inch diameter hole, insert the nylon screw anchor, and then fasten the mounting clip with a 1/2” pan head screw. Note: The mounting clip must be positioned a least 4 inches from the ceiling to allow the CU to slip into the bracket. 3.
MOUNTING THE DU 16 SpotCell
4 – Installation 4.1 Preparing for installation The following are general considerations and preparations that should be looked at before installing the SpotCell. 4.1.1 Signal Strength The SpotCell system brings signals from an area of adequate coverage to an area with poor or non-existent coverage. It is the DU which captures a good signal, and the CU that provides the signal to the area with poor cell phone coverage.
INSTALLATION 4.1.3 Avoid obstructions General placement of the DU and CU must be in unobstructed areas. For example, the CU should not be placed on a wall behind any type of furniture (behind items such as metal filing cabinets would be a particularly poor location). Similarly for the DU, the front of the unit should not be directly facing any type of metal structures, which are often found on building rooftops. 4.1.
4.2.1 Installing the DU Three methods of positioning the DU (based on location) are outlined in the following procedure. Specifically they refer to installing inside buildings, on external walls, and on rooftops. 1. Position the DU (but do not mount it) as close to the final desired mounting location as possible. The CU does not have to be in its final location while positioning the DU and it is helpful to have the CU near the DU.
INSTALLATION 4. Ensure the switch on the CU is in the ‘Install’ (1) position. CU switch Figure 4.2: CU switch location 5. For dual band systems (SC141/SC142) set the adaptive processor (AP) switch to “AP2” (Cell). For split mode systems (SC111S/SC112S), the AP switch can be in either position if both bands are currently active, otherwise the AP switch must be set the active band. 6. Plug the power supply adapter into a wall socket. 7.
8. As you are rotating, you will notice that the LED on the back of the DU will either light up or continuously flash green, red or amber; this is normal. The LED on the SpotCell 163 may also momentarily stop flashing as a detected signal is being analysed 9.
INSTALLATION Note: On the upper floors of tall buildings, it may be necessary to tilt the DU down to get a good signal (green LED). 12. Proceed to page 7 for mounting instructions once the DU location has been optimized. 4.3 Choosing a location for the SpotCell CU The CU should be optimized and mounted, after the DU has been optimized and mounted. Generally, the CU should be mounted in a location as far as possible from the DU, while being within the area where you require improved coverage.
4.3.1 Positioning the CU 1. Ensure that the DU position has been optimized and has been mounted in place. 2. Move the switch on the CU from ‘Install’ to ‘Active’. 3. Hold the CU in the position it is to be mounted. In an ideal application, the display on the CU will show 5 bars of signal strength and coverage area. If the display is not showing 5 bars for coverage area and there are alternate possible mounting locations, move the CU to the alternate locations and check the display.
INSTALLATION 4.4 Auxiliary Antenna The SpotCell Coverage Extension kit (purchased separately) can extend coverage into hard to reach places that are blocked by obstructions such as dense walls or shadowed by elevator shafts or ductwork . Auxiliary antenna connection Instructions for connecting and mounting the auxiliary antenna are included in the Coverage Extension kit.
5 – Display Information 5.1 DU (Donor Unit) DU LED Figure 5.1: DU LED location LED is RED: the DU is not capturing an adequate enough signal for the system to operate. LED is YELLOW: the captured signal is within range and the system will function, but the DU is not properly positioned to capture the strongest signal available in its current location. LED is GREEN: after one complete rotation of the DU this indicates the DU is optimally positioned in this location. Spotwave Wireless Inc.
DISPLAY INFORMATION 5.2 CU 5.2.1 LED The CU LED indicates three conditions: OFF = no DC power supply present RED = power present + system alarm condition GREEN = power present + no alarm condition CU LED 5.2.2 LCD The CU LCD displays system status and signal strength. The signal strength is indicated by the signal strength bars ( ) and the coverage strength is indicated by the coverage bars ( ). The following table shows the various messages displayed and if necessary, what action should be taken.
Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) System is not optimally positioned. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. System will not function. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Check the RF cable and verify that it is connected properly. Make sure the length of the RF cable is less than 75 meters. Call product support. Telephone #: 1-877-610-9586 All OK. No action required.
DISPLAY INFORMATION Display with alternating display (if present) Action (if required) Signal weak, but working. No action required. Turn the DU to another appropriate position. Move the CU to an alternate location, preferable farther away from the DU. Move the CU to an alternate location, preferable farther away from the DU. Temporary loss of service. No action required Loss of service for more than 24 hours. Turn the DU to another appropriate position.
6 – Trouble Shooting Information 1. Status: The display and LED on the bottom of the CU dynamically displays information regarding the SpotCell system and environment during installation and operation. Action: A red LED on the CU indicates a system alarm condition. Look at the information display to determine if the SpotCell system is indicating a fault. 2. Status: The LED on the DU is not illuminating during the installation.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 3. Status: My cell phone does not work around the location I would like to install the SpotCell DU. Action: Try positioning the DU externally as high as possible. 4. Status: While optimizing the DU for installation, you found that the LED turned green in multiple locations, indicating each had adequate signal strength.
check with your vendor that your SpotCell product is compatible with your cell phone service. 6. Status: The coverage area around the CU suddenly shrinks after a long period of reliable operation. Action: This is most likely due to man made environmental influences such as a large building being erected somewhere in between the DU and the location the DU is receiving a signal from. Repeating the install procedure with the DU in its current position may improve system performance (i.e.
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION 8. Information: Residential (or building) installations that do not provide for brick, concrete, metal, or other dense material between the DU and CU. Action: In this situation it is possible that the signal emitted by the DU will be received by the CU. This will result in the system lowering the power of the signal it is emitting; and therefore the area around the CU in which a cell phone will function will become smaller.
Appendix A – SpotCell 100 Series Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. A.1 Antenna Specifications: 850-MHz Band (cellular) 1900-MHz Band (PCS) Gain (dBi) 3 3 Azimuth Beamwidth (dg) 175 (105) 145 Elevation Beamwidth (dg) 180 (115) 160 Front-to-Back (dB) 12 15 Polarization Horizontal (dual or slant polarized?) Horizontal Coverage Unit (CU) Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 100 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS Donor Unit (DU) Gain (dBi) 10 11.5 Azimuth Beamwidth (dg) 50 46 Elevation Beamwidth (dg) 62 36 (2-dg tilt up) Front-to-Back (dB) 20 26 Polarization Vertical Vertical A.2 Architecture 850-MHz Band (cellular) Formats SpotCell 100 Rel. 2.3: AMPS/TDMA/GSM/GP RS/EDGE, or AMPS/CDMA/1xRTT/1x EVDO Specify with order. SpotCell 100 Rel 3.0: GSM/TDMA/GPRS/ED GE or CDMA/1xRTT/1xEVDO Specify with order.
SPOTCELL 100 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS Downlink Operating Range -106 to -44-dBm (Rx Isotropic Power), coverage reduced below -92-dBm Input Overload Protection Uplink: Fully adaptive Downlink: Fully adaptive Output Levels (EIRP, composite radiated) Uplink: Fully adaptive, up to 30-dBm maximum. Uplink: Fully adaptive, up to 30-dBm maximum. Uplink: Fully adaptive, up to 30-dBm maximum.
SPOTCELL 100 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS A.2.1 Physical Operating Temperature DU & HPCU: -40° to +55° C ARU: -40° to +55° C (with heater) Size DU & HPCU: 14"w 10.5" h 3.5" d ARU: 10" w 18"h 7" d Weight DU & HPCU: 4-lb. ARU c/w battery: 25-lb. RF Connectors Type F RF Cable 2-RG-11 Quad shielded required, 1-41’supplied 1- ordered for required length (System supports up to 164 ft. or 50 m) A.2.
Appendix B – SpotCell 111 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. B.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum B.2 Antenna beam width: B.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 145° Front-to-back 15 dB Elevation 160° Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 111 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 12 dBi (13 dB nominal directivity) Elevation Beamwidth 36° F/B 26 dB Azimuth 46° B.3 Architecture Frequency Band Full A, D, B, E, F, C band and sub-band (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) selectivity Passband Bandwidth 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 MHz *Start/stop receive band frequency must be specified at time of order. Formats Supported GSM/TDMA Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 20,000 Sq feet (50,000 sq.ft.
SPOTCELL 111 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS B.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof RF Cable RG6 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) B.3.
SPOTCELL 111 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 40 SpotCell
Appendix C – SpotCell 112 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. C.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum C.2 Antenna beam width: C.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 145° Elevation Beamwidth 160° Front-to-Back 15 dB Horizontally Polarized Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 112 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS C.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 11.5 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 46° Elevation Beamwidth 36° Front-to-Back 25 dB Vertically Polarized C.3 Architecture Frequency Band Full A, D, B, E, F, C band and sub-band (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) selectivity Passband Bandwidth 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 MHz *Start/stop receive band frequency must be specified at time of order.
SPOTCELL 112 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS C.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof RF Cable RG6 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) C.3.
SPOTCELL 112 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 44 SpotCell
Appendix D – SpotCell 111s/112s System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. D.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 111S/112S SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS D.2 Antenna beam width: D.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain 0dBi mean Isolation >15 dB AP to AP Return Loss >10 dB over each band Azimuth Beamwidth >140° Elevation Beamwidth >140° Front-to-Back >10 dB Linear Polarization D.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain 11.5 dBi Azimuth Beamwidth 46° Elevation Beamwidth 36° Front-to-Back 25 dB Vertically Polarized D.
SPOTCELL 111S/112S SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS Input Overload Protection Uplink: Fully adaptive Downlink: Fully adaptive Maximum Output Levels (radiated) Uplink: Fully adaptive, up to +27 dBm EIRP (Composite) Third Order Intercept (radiated) Uplink: +50 dBm EIRP Power Supply 10.5 VDC universal power adapter that connects to the Indoor Unit; Donor Unit power is supplied via the RF cable Power Consumption < 44 W Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 111S/112S SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS D.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C (fan cooled) Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof RF Cable RG11 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) D.3.
Appendix E – SpotCell 163 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. E.1 DU LED signal indications: RED GREEN BS signal too low BS signal is at maximum E.2 Antenna beam width: E.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain +3 dBi Elevation Beamwidth 115° (typical) Azimuth Beamwidth 105° (typical) Front-to-Back 12 dB Polarization: Horizontal and Vertical Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 163 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS E.2.2 DU Antenna Summary Gain +10 dBi Elevation Beamwidth 62° Azimuth Beamwidth 50° Front-to-Back 20 dB Polarization: Vertical E.
SPOTCELL 163 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS E.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 6 lb (3 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F, outdoor unit supplied with weather proof boot RF Cable RG6 Quad shielded 82’ or 25 meters supplied (System supports up to 164 ft. or 50 m) E.3.
SPOTCELL 163 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 52 SpotCell 163
Appendix F – SpotCell 141/142 System Specifications Note: Spotwave Wireless has the right to change specifications without notice. F.1 DU LED signal indications: RED YELLOW GREEN BS signal too low BS signal present and within range BS signal is at maximum F.2 Antenna beam width: F.2.1 CU Antenna Summary Gain 0dBi mean Azimuth Beamwidth >140° Elevation Beamwidth >140° Front-to-Back >10 dB Linear Polarization Spotwave Wireless Inc.
SPOTCELL 141/142 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS F.2.2 DU Antenna Summary 54 Gain 11.
SPOTCELL 141/142 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS F.3 Architecture Frequency Band Full A, D, B, E, F, C band and sub-band (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) selectivity Passband Bandwidth 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 MHz *Start/stop receive band frequency must be specified at time of order. Formats Supported SC141 support dual band PCS, Cellular GSM SC142 supports dual band PCS & Cellular CDMA Coverage Area Fully adaptive, supports multiple simultaneous users Up to 25,000 Sq feet (50,000 sq.ft.
SPOTCELL 141/142 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS F.3.3 Physical Operating Temperature Donor unit: -40° to +55° C Coverage unit: 0° to +40° C (fan cooled) Size Donor unit: 15"w 12" h 4" d Coverage unit: 9"w 7.25" h 2.5" d Weight Donor unit: 4 lb (2 kg) Coverage unit: 2 lb (1 kg) RF Connectors Type F; weatherproof Couplers used to install the dual band system are expected to cause a loss of 3.5 dB. RF Cable RG11 quad-shield 82’ or 25 m supplied (System supports 164 ft. or 50 m) F.3.
Appendix G – Safety Hints Customer safety is a concern we would like to address in a sensible and proactive manner. To this end, the following notes have been provided as a reference to help installers remain safe and think about safety in all aspects of the installation. The following notes are to be considered as informational only, and not exhaustive or complete. G.1 Lightning Never attempt to install the DU outdoors while a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate or neighboring vicinity.
SAFETY HINTS G.2.1 Power Tools Proper eye protection should be worn when using a drill or any other type of power tool. G.2.2 Working with Ladders Properly secure your ladder and work in pairs. Make sure the ladder is properly tied off and use an insulated ladder when working around power lines. G.2.3 Grounding Ensuring the DU is properly grounded in external installations will help to prevent property damage and personal injury during lightening storms. G.
